Communications adaptor for use with internet telephony system

ABSTRACT

A communications adaptor comprising an adaptor first port; an adaptor second port; an adaptor third port; and a processor. The adaptor first port is configured to connect to an analog communications line. The adaptor second port is configured to connect to a data network. The adaptor third port is configured to connect to an analog telephony device. The processor is configured to determine that a first call setup request signal has been received at the adaptor first port. The processor is further configured, subsequent to such determination: (1) to transmit a second call setup request signal over the adaptor second port to an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system over the data network; and (2) to transmit a third call setup request signal over the adaptor third port.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology relates to telecommunications, and in particular todevices such as a communication adaptor or terminal adaptor thatfacilitates use of an Internet Protocol (IP) telephone system.

BACKGROUND

An Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system routes various types ofcommunications, at least in part, via data packets that are communicatedover a data network. The data network is commonly the Internet. Thetypes of communications may be, for example, telephone calls, videocalls, text and video messages, and other forms of telephony and datacommunications. The users of the Internet Protocol (IP) telephony systemtypically gain access to the Internet using an Internet service providerso that they can communicate via the IP telephony system.

Customers of an IP telephony system can place and receive telephonecalls using various types of telephony devices. One type of telephonydevice is an IP telephone that is typically connected to an Internetservice provider via a wired connection or router. Another type oftelephony device is a soft-phone client running on a computer which canplace and receive IP based telephone calls. Yet another type oftelephony device is a mobile telephony device such as a mobile computingdevice, mobile phone or the like which has wireless transmission andreception capabilities, and is connected to a wireless router or to abase station of a cellular network, for example using WiFi or cellulartelephone technology.

Another type of telephony device is an analog telephone which isconnected to the Internet via terminal adaptor. The terminal adaptorconverts analog signals from the telephone into data signals that passover the Internet, and vice versa. In some embodiments multiple analogtelephones may be coupled to the same terminal Analog telephone devicesinclude, but are not limited to, standard telephones and documentimaging devices such as facsimile machines. A configuration using aterminal adaptor is common where one or more analog telephones arelocated in a residence or business, and all of the telephones areconnected to the same terminal adaptor. With this configuration, all ofthe analog telephones may share the same telephone number assigned tothe terminal.

One example terminal adaptor is the HT503 FXS/FXO Port Analog TelephoneAdaptor sold by Grandstream Networks, Inc., and described in a HT503User Manual. The HT503 adaptor has an FXO port which is connected to theplain old telephone system (POTS), an FXS port which is connected to ananalog telephone, and a WAN port which is connected to an IP telephonynetwork through a data network such as the Internet. The HT503 adaptorallows the analog telephone to answer calls which are incoming from theIP telephony network and to place outbound calls using the IP telephonynetwork. The HT503 adaptor also supports routing incoming calls receivedat the FXO port to the SIP network (IP telephony system) as part ofout-of-box functionality. However, the HT503 adaptor does not supportrouting incoming calls received at the FXO port to both an IP telephonysystem and to an analog telephone for the same incoming call. Rather,the HT503 adaptor routes the incoming call to one or the other of the IPtelephony system and the analog telephony, but not both.

A processor in the HT503 adaptor converts signaling and user trafficbetween the FXS port (which is connected to the analog telephone) andthe WAN port (which is ultimately connected to the IP telephony system).In some instances certain outbound calls from the analog telephone maybe directed by the processor to the POTS-connected FXO port, such asemergency calls or calls that are preceded by a special prefix or codewhich indicates that the calls are not to be handled by the IP telephonysystem.

In view of their digital, packetized operation, IP telephony systems mayprovide various services that enhance a customer's telephony experienceand provide expanded or additional capabilities, particularly whendealing with inbound calls. But when using a prior art adaptor, ananalog telephone connected to the prior art adapter is not able toparticipate in such enhanced or expanded services for a POTS-originatedcall.

SUMMARY

In one of its aspects the technology disclosed herein concerns acommunications adaptor comprising an adaptor first port; an adaptorsecond port; an adaptor third port; and a processor. The adaptor firstport is configured to connect to an analog communications line. Theadaptor second port is configured to connect to a data network. Theadaptor third port is configured to connect to an analog telephonydevice. The processor is configured to determine that a first call setuprequest signal has been received at the adaptor first port. Theprocessor is further configured, subsequent to such determination: (1)to transmit a second call setup request signal over the adaptor secondport to an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system over the datanetwork; and (2) to transmit a third call setup request signal over theadaptor third port.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the second call setup request signalincludes an indication that the first call setup request was received atthe adaptor first port.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is further configuredto provide the IP telephony system with an account identifier of asubscriber associated with the communications adaptor.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is configured togenerate the third call setup request signal by converting the secondcall setup request signal from digital to analog format.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is further configuredto substantially simultaneously transmit the third call setup requestsignal over the adaptor third port and transmit the second call setuprequest signal over the adaptor second port.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is further configuredto transmit the second setup request signal to the adaptor third port ata time delay after transmission of the second setup request signal tothe Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is configured togenerate the third setup request signal upon receipt of a fourth setuprequest signal received from the Internet Protocol (IP) telephonysystem. In an example implementation the processor is configured toconvert the fourth setup request signal to the third setup requestsignal.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is further configuredto receive an off hook condition indication from the analog telephonydevice; and in accordance with the off hook condition indication tocancel the second setup request signal to the IP telephony system overthe data network. In an example implementation the processor is furtherconfigured in accordance with the off hook condition indication togenerate a notification signal to the IP telephony system withinformation to enable the IP telephony system to make a record of theincoming communication.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is further configuredto receive an off hook condition indication of an extension telephonydevice registered with the IP telephony system; and in accordance withthe off hook condition indication to cancel the third setup requestsignal to the analog telephony device.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is further configuredto make a determination regarding unavailability of the data network;and in accordance with the unavailability determination, to routecommunications between the adaptor first port and the adaptor thirdport.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the processor is configured bydefault to connect the adaptor third port to the adaptor second portwhen the analog telephone device initiates an outbound communicationunless the processor receives a default override indication. In anexemplary implementation the processor is configured to generate anotification signal to the IP telephony system with information toenable the IP telephony system to make a record of the outboundcommunication.

In another of its aspects the technology disclosed herein concerns amethod of operating a communications adaptor. The method comprisesreceiving at an adaptor first port of the communications adaptor a firstsetup request signal for an incoming communication carried over ananalog communications line; generating a second setup request signal fortransmission to an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system over a datanetwork connected to an adaptor second port of the communicationsadaptor when the first setup request signal for the incomingcommunication is received over the analog communications line; andgenerating a third setup request signal for the incoming communicationreceived over the analog communications line for transmission to anadaptor third port of the communications adaptor. The adaptor third portof the communications adaptor is connected to an analog telephonydevice.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the second setup request signal is adigital setup request signal and the third setup request signal is ananalog setup request signal.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesconfiguring the second setup request signal for transmission to anInternet Protocol (IP) telephony system to include an indication thatthe incoming communication was received at the adaptor first port.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesgenerating the third setup request signal by converting the second setuprequest signal transmitted to the Internet Protocol (IP) telephonysystem.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisestransmitting the third setup request signal to the adaptor third portsimultaneously with the generation of the digital setup request signalfor transmission to an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisestransmitting the third setup request signal to the adaptor third port ata time delay after transmission of the second setup request signal tothe Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesconfiguring the time delay to allow the Internet Protocol (IP) telephonysystem to perform a call enhancement service.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesperforming call forwarding, simultaneous ring, or sequential ring as thecall enhancement service.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesreceiving an off hook condition indication from the analog telephonydevice; and, in accordance with the off hook condition indication,cancelling the second setup request signal to the IP telephony systemover the data network.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesreceiving an off hook condition indication from an extension telephonydevice registered with the IP telephony system; and in accordance withthe off hook condition indication canceling the third setup requestsignal to the analog telephony device.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesreceiving a fourth setup request signal from the IP telephony system;and using the fourth setup request signal to generate the analog setuprequest signal for transmission to the adaptor third port. In anexemplary implementation the method further comprises generating thethird setup request signal by converting the fourth setup request signalfrom digital to analog.

In another of its aspects the technology disclosed herein concerns amethod of operating an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system. In itsbasic form the method comprises receiving a setup request signal from acommunications adaptor, the setup request signal including an indicationthat the setup request signal was generated as a result of receipt bythe communications adaptor of a setup request signal from a publicswitched telephony network (PSTN); and generating an IP-formatted setuprequest signal to at least one extension telephony device which isregistered with the IP telephony system.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode an analog telephony device connectedto the communications adaptor is included in the at least one extensiontelephony device.

In an exemplary embodiment and mode the method further comprisesperforming a call enhancement service which affects how the IP-formattedsetup request signal is sent to the at least one extension telephonydevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thetechnology disclosed herein will be apparent from the following moreparticular description of preferred embodiments as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which reference characters refer to the sameparts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic view of a telephony communications adaptorassociated with an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system in accordancewith an example embodiment with the telephony communications adaptorperforming certain basic acts in accordance with a generic mode.

FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic view of the telephony communications adaptorperforming certain further and optional acts in accordance with anexample IP network controlled mode.

FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic view of the telephony communications adaptorperforming certain further and optional acts in accordance with anexample enhanced service mode.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of various elements of computer circuitrythat may comprise either an IP telephony system or a telephonycommunications adaptor in accordance with example embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing example, representative acts or stepsperformed by a communications adaptor according to the example genericmethod of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing example, representative acts or stepsperformed by a communications adaptor according to the example IPnetwork controlled mode of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic view showing signaling associated with anInternet Protocol (IP) telephony system performing certain basic acts inaccordance with the generic mode of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic view showing signaling associated with anInternet Protocol (IP) telephony system performing certain basic acts inaccordance with the example IP network controlled mode of FIG. 1B

FIG. 4C(1)-FIG. 4C(4) are diagrammatic view showing variousimplementations of signaling associated with an Internet Protocol (IP)telephony system performing certain basic acts in accordance with theexample enhanced service mode of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic more detailed view of a telephonycommunications adaptor associated with an Internet Protocol (IP)telephony system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing an indication of PSTN involvementin the form of a PSTN flag in a header of an outgoing IP packet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth such as particulararchitectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide athorough understanding of the technology disclosed herein. However, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technologydisclosed herein may be practiced in other embodiments that depart fromthese specific details. That is, those skilled in the art will be ableto devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly describedor shown herein, embody the principles of the technology disclosedherein and are included within its spirit and scope. In some instances,detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods areomitted so as not to obscure the description of the technology disclosedherein with unnecessary detail. All statements herein recitingprinciples, aspects, and embodiments of the technology disclosed herein,as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass bothstructural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it isintended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalentsas well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elementsdeveloped that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat block diagrams herein can represent conceptual views ofillustrative circuitry or other functional units embodying theprinciples of the technology. Similarly, it will be appreciated that anyflow charts, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, and the likerepresent various processes which may be substantially represented incomputer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor,whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

In this description, the terms “VoIP system”, “VoIP telephony system”,“IP system” and “IP telephony system” are all intended to refer to asystem that connects callers and that delivers data, text and videocommunications using Internet Protocol data communications.

In this description references are made to an “IP telephony device” or“telephony device”. These terms are used to refer to any type of devicewhich is capable of interacting with an IP telephony system to completea telephone call, including but not limited to those already describedabove. An IP telephony device could be an IP telephone, a computerrunning IP telephony software, a terminal adaptor which is connected toan analog telephone, or some other type of device capable ofcommunicating via data packets. An IP telephony device could also be acellular telephone or a portable or tablet computing device that runs asoftware client that enables the device to act as an IP telephone. Thus,a single device might be capable of operating as both a cellulartelephone and an IP telephony device.

This description also refers to a mobile telephony device. The term“mobile telephony device” is intended to encompass multiple differenttypes of devices. In some instances, a mobile telephony device could bea cellular telephone. In other instances, a mobile telephony device maybe a mobile computing device that includes both cellular telephonecapabilities and a wireless data transceiver that can establish awireless data connection to a data network. Such a mobile computingdevice could run appropriate application software to conduct VoIPtelephone calls via a wireless data connection. Thus, a mobile computingdevice, such as an Apple iPhone™, a RIM Blackberry or a comparabledevice running Google's Android operating system could be a mobiletelephony device.

In still other instances, a mobile telephony device may be a device thatis not traditionally used as a telephony device, but which includes awireless data transceiver that can establish a wireless data connectionto a data network. That is, certain devices that are not traditionallyused as telephony devices may act as telephony devices once they areconfigured with appropriate client software. Thus, some devices thatwould not normally be considered telephony devices may become telephonydevices or IP telephony devices once they are running appropriatesoftware. One example would be a desktop or a laptop computer that isrunning software that can interact with an IP telephony system over adata network to conduct telephone calls. Another example would be aportable computing device, such as an Apple iPod Touch™, which includesa speaker and a microphone. A software application loaded onto an AppleiPod Touch™ can be run so that the Apple iPod Touch™ can interact withan IP telephony system to conduct a telephone call.

This description also refers to telephony communications(“communications”) and telephony activity. These terms are intended toencompass all types of (telephony) communications, regardless of whetherall or a portion of the communications are carried in an analog ordigital format. Telephony communications could include audio or videotelephone calls, facsimile transmissions, text messages, SMS messages,MMS messages, video messages, and all other types of telephony and datacommunications sent by or received by a user. These terms are alsointended to encompass data communications that are conveyed through aPSTN or VOIP telephony system. In other words, these terms are intendedto encompass any communications whatsoever, in any format, whichtraverse all or a portion of a communications network or telephonynetwork.

FIG. 1A shows a telephony communications adaptor 20 which is also simplyreferred to as an “adaptor” or “terminal adaptor”. The adaptor 20comprises adaptor housing 22 which may take any desired shape or size,but is shown for sake of convenience in FIG. 1A as being an essentiallyrectangular frame with walls on all faces thereof. The adaptor housing22 comprises various adaptor ports, including adaptor first port 24,adaptor second port 26, and adaptor third port 28. Adaptor first port 24is configured to connect to an analog communications line 30. Adaptorsecond port 26 is configured to connect to a data network 34. Adaptorthird port 28 is configured to connect to an analog telephony device 32.The ports 24, 26, and 28, as well as other unillustrated ports and powersupply connections may be accessible through the adaptor housing 22.

The analog communications line 30 is connected to an analog or “circuitswitched” type telephony network such as the type traditionally termedthe “plain old telephone system” (“POTS”) 35. Generally “POTS” refers tothe plain old telephone service provided over analog copper loops. POTSlines are typically connected to the public switched telephony network(PSTN) 36 at a central office via Class 5 telephone switches. Thus,through the analog communications line 30 a customer or user associatedwith the adaptor 20 may have access to one or more fixed networktelephony providers or operators.

As mentioned above, the data network 34 to which adaptor second port 26is connected may be a data network such as the Internet, for example.FIG. 1A further shows that adaptor 20 may be configured or programmed tooperate in conjunction with an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system,e.g., IP telephony system 40. The IP telephony system 40 may beconnected to the public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 through aPSTN gateway 41, which may be either internal to IP telephony system 40or external.

As shown in FIG. 1A, IP telephony system 40 may comprise variousfunctionalities and units, such as call setup function 42, telephonydevice register 43, and enhanced service function (“enhancedfunctionality”) 44. The IP telephony system 40 provides IP telephonyservices to plural customers or users, each customer or user having anaccount with IP telephony system 40. Each customer or user may have oneor more telephony devices registered in telephony device register 43with the customer's IP telephony network account. In the examplescenario shown in FIG. 1A, a customer/user has registered telephonycommunications adaptor 20 as the user's primary telephony device, buthas also registered in telephony device register 43 an extensiontelephony device 45 with the IP telephony system 40. Thus, telephonydevice register 43 may keep a record of International Mobile SubscriberIdentity (IMSI) values of one or more registered extension telephonydevices, along with the associated calling number and/or accountidentifier.

The extension telephony device 45 may take any of various forms, e.g.,any form of telephony device as described herein, including but notlimited to an internet phone, a mobile telephony device, or a computeror laptop with or without mobile termination. The extension telephonydevice 45 may have access to data network 34 (and thus access to IPtelephony system 40) through an access point 46 or through a basestation 48 of a radio access network 50. Depending on whether theextension telephony device 45 is stationary or mobile, the access point46 may be (for example) a wired or wireless router. As shown in FIG. 1A,the radio access network 50 may comprise public switched telephonynetwork (PSTN) 36.

It should be understood that more than one extension telephony device 45may be registered with IP telephony system 40 in conjunction with acustomer's account. For example, the customer's account may have one ormore internet telephones or mobile telephony devices registered in thetelephony device register 43 of IP telephony system 40. The telephonydevice register 43 may include not only identifications of the extensiontelephony devices registered with the IP telephony system 40, butlocations (e.g., internet addresses or telephone numbers) associatedwith each.

In addition to its ports, FIG. 1A shows adaptor 20 as comprisingprocessor 60. In an example embodiment processor 60 may comprisecomputer circuitry 61 of the type illustrated in FIG. 2. Among its otherfunctions, processor 60 is configured to generate a setup request signalfor transmission to Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system 40 over datanetwork 34 when a setup request signal for an incoming communication isreceived at adaptor first port 24.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the flowchart of FIG. 3A, and the signal diagram ofFIG. 4A, an example mode of a method of operating adaptor 20 and itsprocessor 60 more particularly comprises the basic acts or steps 3-1,3-2, and 3-3. Act 3-1 comprises receiving at adaptor first port 24 ofthe communications adaptor 20 a setup request signal (S-3-1) for anincoming communication carried over analog communications line 30 viaPOTS 35 from public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36. As part of act3-1 the processor 60 determines that a first call setup request signalhas been received at the adaptor first port. Then, subsequent to suchdetermination, processor 60 performs acts 3-2 and 3-3.

Act 3-2 comprises transmitting a second call setup request signal(S-3-2) over the adaptor second port 26 to Internet Protocol (IP)telephony system 40 over the data network 34. For example, as act 3-2the processor 60 may generate a digital setup request signal (S-3-2) fora data connection when the setup request signal for the incomingcommunication is received over the analog communications line 30. Thedigital setup request signal of act 3-2 is generated by processor 60 fortransmission to Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system 40 over datanetwork 34 connected to adaptor second port 26 of the communicationsadaptor. As explained herein, in an example implementation the setuprequest signal (S-3-2) may take the form of a Session InitiationProtocol (SIP) INVITE message. See, e.g., Internet Engineering TaskForce, RFC 3261, “SIP: Session Initiation Protocol”, June 2002, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The data connection for which the digital setup request signal (S-3-2)is generated by adaptor 20 is not a mere forwarding of the setup requestsignal (S-3-1) for an incoming PSTN call. Rather, the digital setuprequest signal (S-3-2) is generated as a new connection request whichmay reflect some of the parameters of the incoming PSTN call, such as,e.g., caller ID of the PSTN caller. In other words, the digital setuprequest signal (S-3-2) initiates a new connection which is differentfrom the incoming PSTN call while using signaling information based onthe incoming PSTN call (e.g., of the setup request signal (S-3-1)).

Act 3-3 comprises transmitting a third call setup request signal (S-3-3)over the adaptor third port 28. For example, the processor may beconfigured to generate for the third call setup signal (S-3-3) an analogsetup request signal for transmission to adaptor third port 28, e.g., toanalog telephony device 32. Thus in this FIG. 1A/FIG. 3A/FIG. 4Aimplementation the method of operating the processor 60 furthercomprises act 3-3 shown in FIG. 3A, e.g., upon receipt of the setuprequest signal (S-3-1) for the incoming analog (PSTN) call, generatingan analog setup request signal (S-3-3) for transmission to adaptor thirdport 28, e.g., to analog telephony device 32.

In one example implementation, the act 3-3 of generating the analogsetup request signal may comprise converting the digital setup requestsignal (S-3-2) from digital to analog form. The act of processor 60“converting” the digital setup request signal (S-3-2) for the incoming(PSTN) call does not mean that converted signal S-3-3 is essentially apassthrough of setup request signal (S-3-1). Rather, since processor 60is a digital device, the processor 60 preferably converts the digitalsetup request signal (S-3-2) from analog form to digital form. Theprocessor 60 converts the digital setup request signal (S-3-2) to analogform to output the converted signal S-3-3 to adaptor third port 28.

The timing of the transmission of the generation of the analog setuprequest signal S-3-3 may be selectively controlled by processor 60. Inone example implementation the processor 60 may be configured togenerate and transmit the analog setup request signal S-3-3 to theadaptor third port essentially immediately after the analog setuprequest signal S-3-1 is received. For example, the digital setup requestsignal (S-3-2) and the analog setup request signal S-3-3 may betransmitted essentially in parallel. That is, the digital setup requestsignal (S-3-2) and the analog setup request signal S-3-3 may betransmitted essentially. In this “parallel” example implementation asequence of events such as those shown in Table 1 may occur. In Table 1and otherwise herein, “FXO” refers to adaptor first port 24 and “FXS”refers to adaptor third port 28. All of the interactions/occurrences ofTable 1 are controlled by processor 60.

TABLE 1 Incoming ring detection on FXO −> Ring generation on FXSIncoming caller ID on FXO −> Caller ID generation on FXS User goesoff-hook on FXS −> FXO port goes off-hook signaling to the PSTN that thecall is answered Audio path is established bidirectionally between FXS &FXO ports as follows: FXO −> A/D −> D/A −> FXS FXS −> A/D −> D/A −> FXOUser goes on-hook on FXS −> FXO port goes on-hoo ksignaling to the PSTNthat the call is terminated Audio path is torn down

In another example implementation the processor 60 may be configured togenerate and transmit the analog setup request signal S-3-3 to adaptorthird port 28 at a time delay after generation of the setup requestsignal (S-3-2). In such delayed implementation the time delay may beconfigured to allow the Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system 40sufficient time to perform a call enhancement service, as hereindescribed. The duration of the time delay may be determined by processor60, or by IP telephony system 40. In the latter regard, the processor 60may be dependent upon signaling from IP telephony system 40 for advisingthe processor 60 when to send the analog setup request signal S-3-3 toadaptor third port 28.

In an example embodiment described herein, the analog setup requestsignal (S-3-3) may be generated upon receipt of an IP-formatted setuprequest signal received from IP telephony system 40. The IP-formattedsetup request signal received from IP telephony system 40 may also bereferred to as a fourth setup request signal. For example, the processormay be configured to convert the IP formatted setup request signal tothe analog setup request signal (S-3-3).

Upon receipt of the digital setup request signal (S-3-2) at the IPtelephony system 40, the call setup function 42 consults at leasttelephony device register 43 to determine to which telephony devices,e.g., to which extension telephony device(s) 45, a further setup requestsignal is to be transmitted for the customer who is being called by theincoming PSTN call. Assuming that the telephony device register 43indicates that extension telephony device 45 is such a registered devicedesignated to receive an incoming call for the customer, the call setupfunction 42 sends a further setup request signal (S-3-4) to theextension telephony device 45 as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 4A. Like thesetup request signal (S-3-2), the further setup request signal (S-3-4)is an IP-formatted setup request signal, but has routing and addressinformation modified so that the further setup request signal (S-3-4)will reach the extension telephony device 45. The further call setupsignal also may include caller ID information of the calling party.

Thus, in the example embodiment of FIG. 3A, the analog setup requestsignal S-3-3 is sent by processor 60 to adaptor third port 28independently of IP telephony system 40, e.g., without having to receivean IP-formatted signal from IP telephony system 40 that is sent to oneor more extension telephony devices. Thus, in view of the independentnature of the analog setup request signal S-3-3, it is possible that theanalog telephony device 32 may answer the call or go “off hook”. Shouldthe analog telephony device 32 answer the call, the “off hook” signalfrom analog telephony device 32 is sent to processor 60. In accordancewith the off hook condition indication processor 60 sends another signalover the data network 34 to IP telephony system 40 to cancel the digitalsetup request signal over the data network, e.g., to stop the “ringing”at other extension telephony devices. However, in an exampleimplementation, the processor 60 is further configured in accordancewith the off hook condition indication to generate a notification signalto the IP telephony system with information to enable the IP telephonysystem to make a record of the incoming communication. That is, the IPtelephony system 40 may include the incoming communication, answered byanalog telephony device 32, in a log of communications for thecustomer's account.

In another example implementation illustrated in FIG. 1B, the flowchartof FIG. 3B, and the signaling diagram of FIG. 4B, the analog telephonydevice is considered one of the extension telephony devices 45 which iscontacted by IP telephony system 40 in accordance with call setup and,in some implementations, other logic of IP telephony system 40. Thus, inFIG. 1B the analog telephony device is shown as analog telephony device45 (32), e.g., an “extension” analog telephony device. In the embodimentof FIG. 1B FIG. 3B, and FIG. 4B, the analog telephony device 45 (32) isone of the extension telephony devices which is registered in telephonydevice register 43.

The method of operating the processor 60 of adaptor 20 in the embodimentof FIG. 1B, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 4B thus involves an act 3-5. Act 3-5comprises receiving an IP-formatted setup request signal from IPtelephony system 40 (shown as signal S-3-5 in FIG. 1B and FIG. 4B) andgenerating the analog setup request signal based on the IP formattedsetup request signal. For example, the analog setup request signal(S-3-6) of FIG. 3B may be an analog conversion of the IP-formatted setuprequest signal (S-3-5) Act 3-6 comprises the processor 60 sending theanalog setup request signal based on the IP formatted setup requestsignal (illustrated as signal S-3-6 in FIG. 1B and FIG. 4B) to adaptorthird port 28, and thus to analog telephony device 45 (32).

FIG. 1C and FIG. 4C(1)-FIG. 4C(4) show other example embodiments andmodes which implement variations of the embodiment of FIG. 1B, FIG. 3B,and FIG. 4B. In the example embodiments of FIGS. 1C and 4D(1)-FIG. 4C(4)the IP telephony system 40 invokes enhanced service function 44 (alsoknown as call enhancement function) in conjunction with its transmissionof IP-formatted further setup request messages to one or more extensiontelephony devices. The call enhancement service function 44 may affecthow the IP-formatted setup request signal is sent to at least oneextension telephony device, e.g., in what order IP-formatted setuprequest signaling is sent to the extension telephony device(s). Theenhanced service function 44 may comprise, for example, services such ascall forwarding, simultaneous ring, sequential ring, or call blocking.For the purpose of illustrating various examples of enhanced servicefunction 44, FIG. 1C and FIG. 4C(1)-FIG. 4C(4) show further telephonydevices. In particular, FIG. 4C(1) shows a further telephony device 45′which is not registered with the call-receiving customer's account intelephony device register 43, but is registered with IP telephony system40 (e.g., perhaps in association with another customer account). In FIG.4C(3)-FIG. 4C(4) the further telephony device 45′ may be a furtherextension telephony device which is registered (along with extensiontelephony device 45 and analog telephony device 45 (32)) with thecall-receiving customer's account in telephony device register 43. FIG.1C and FIG. 4C(1)-FIG. 4C(4) show telephony device 45′ as beingconnected via access point 46′.

FIG. 1C shows as act 3-7 the call setup function 42 invoking enhancedservice function 44, which in turn may invoke telephony device register43 in order to determine which telephony devices are to be involved inthe enhanced service function. The further acts performed depend onwhether the enhanced service function 44 is the service of callforwarding (shown in FIG. 4C(1)), simultaneous ring (shown in FIG.4C(3)), or sequential ring (shown in FIG. 4C(4)).

FIG. 4C(1) shows implementation of a call forwarding service in whichthe communication inbound from public switched telephony network (PSTN)36 (as reflected by signal S-3-1) is forwarded to telephony device 45′which is associated with another called party number. That anothercalled party number may or may not be registered with IP telephonysystem 40. Therefore, FIG. 4C(1) shows the IP telephony system 40performing the enhanced service function 44 by sending the further callsetup request signal S-3-7-1 i to a telephony device 45′ which isregistered with IP telephony system 40. On the other hand, for analternative case, FIG. 4C(2) shows the IP telephony system 40 performingthe enhanced service function 44 by sending the further call setuprequest signal S-3-7-1 p to a telephony device 45′ which is notregistered with IP telephony system 40. For the telephony device 45′which is not registered with IP telephony system 40 the IP-formattedfurther call setup request signal S-3-7-1 p is sent to processor 60 ofadaptor 20, which converts the further call setup request signal S-3-7-1p to analog for sending to public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36.The public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 may then route the callto unregistered telephony device 45′. A similar result may be achievedby the IP telephony system 40 forwarding the call through a PSTNgateway, with a difference being that upon routing through the adaptorthe PSTN number will be presented as the calling party ID rather thanthe original caller's ID.

FIG. 4C(3) shows implementation of a simultaneous ring service which isperformed by enhanced service function 44 of IP telephony system 40 forthe communication inbound from public switched telephony network (PSTN)36 (as reflected by signal S-3-1). In performing the simultaneous ringservice the IP telephony system 40 essentially simultaneously sendsfurther call setup request signals to each of the telephony deviceswhich are registered for the call-receiving customer in telephony deviceregister 43. FIG. 4C(3) thus shows IP telephony system 40 as sending thefurther call setup request signal S-3-4 to extension telephony device45, a further call setup request signal S-3-4′ to extension telephonydevice 45′, and the IP-formatted setup request signal S-3-5 to adaptor20. The further call setup request signal S-3-4 and the further callsetup request signal S-3-4′ are both understood with respect to act 3-4as above described in conjunction with, e.g., FIG. 4A. As previouslydescribed, the IP-formatted setup request signal S-3-5 subsequentlyresults in the processor 60 generating the analog setup request signalbased on the IP formatted setup request signal (illustrated as signalS-3-6 in FIG. 4C(3)) and sending the analog signal S-3-6 to adaptorthird port 28, and thus to analog telephony device 45 (32). Thus, in theexample embodiment of FIG. 4C(3), all registered telephony devicesessentially are “rung” at the same time.

FIG. 4C(4) shows implementation of a sequential ring service which isperformed by enhanced service function 44 of IP telephony system 40 forthe communication inbound from public switched telephony network (PSTN)36 (as reflected by signal S-3-1). In performing the sequential ringservice the IP telephony system 40 essentially sends further call setuprequest signals, one at a time in a predefined sequence, to thetelephony devices which are registered for the call-receiving customerin telephony device register 43. For the particular example shown inFIG. 4C(4), the enhanced service function 44 is preconfigured to firstcontact extension telephony device 45, and if extension telephony device45 does not answer within a predefined time interval, to secondlycontact extension telephony device 45′. If extension telephony device45′ does not answer within a predefined time interval, the enhancedservice function 44 is configured to contact analog telephony device 45(32). Accordingly, FIG. 4C(4) shows by arrow T1 a first predeterminedtime interval (following transmission of the further call setup requestsignal S-3-4 to extension telephony device 45). If time interval T1elapses with no answer by extension telephony device 45 a further callsetup request signal S-3-4′ is sent to extension telephony device 45′.Likewise, FIG. 4C(4) shows by arrow T2 a second predetermined timeinterval (following transmission of the further call setup requestsignal S-3-4′ to extension telephony device 45). If time interval T2elapses with no answer by extension telephony device 45′ an IP-formattedsetup request signal S-3-5 is sent to adaptor 20. Of course, if anyprioritized telephony device answers, there is no need to contact anyother telephony device registered in the sequential ring list.

The enhanced service function 44 of call blocking is not separatelyillustrated, it being understood that no further call setup requestsignals are transmitted to any telephony device in conjunction with acall blocking service.

Thus, by sending the digital call request signal S-3-2 to IP telephonysystem 40 upon receipt of a call request signal S-3-1 from publicswitched telephony network (PSTN) 36, the adaptor 20 is able to invokeservices of IP telephony system 40 which otherwise would not beavailable had the adaptor 20 simply routed the call to analog telephonydevice 32, e.g., call enhancement services. Moreover, in being able toalso send an analog setup request signal to the analog telephony device32, the analog telephony device 32 is able to participate in the callenhancement services, in manner controlled by the IP telephony system40. Example such services include those enhanced services describedabove, e.g., call forwarding (shown in FIG. 4C(1)), simultaneous ring(shown in FIG. 4C(3)), sequential ring (shown in FIG. 4C(4)), and callblocking, among others. A non-exhaustive list of other call enhancementservices may include those listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Other Examples of Call Enhancement Services Caller reaches aninteractive voice response (IVR) through which the caller may select anextension to which the call is to be directed. For anonymous callers,the caller is asked to identify himself before the call is directed toone or more extensions. When the call is answered, the caller's identityis played back and the customer is given an option to accept or rejectthe call. Callers are selectively blocked based on numbers entered bythe customer in a blocked call list. Day/Time based rules - setdifferent call forward or simultaneous/sequen- tial ring rules based ontime of day & day of week

If the customer associated adaptor 20 were to receive a second incomingcall after receipt of a first call, the adaptor 20 generates a secondrequest setup message for transmission to IP telephony system 40 for thesecond incoming call. For example, in an example embodiment in which thesignaling implemented by adaptor 20 is SIP signaling, receipt of asecond request setup message may result in generation of a second SIPINVITE message, which is a separate message from the first SIP INVITEmessage and which sets up a separate session than the first SIP INVITEmessage. Like the first SIP INVITE message, the second SIP INVITEmessage may bear the caller identifiers (IDs) of the respective callingparty, so that the customer may determine whether the customer wants toanswer the second incoming call and place the first call on hold. If thecustomer wants to accept the second incoming call, using the telephonydevice in which the customer is already participating in the first callthe customer puts the first call on hold and accepts the second incomingcall. A “flash-hook” is sent from the FXO port, e.g., adaptor first port24, which tells the public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 toswitch from the first call to the second call. Later, should thecustomer want to go back to the first call, the customer puts the secondcall on hold. This results in a flash-hook to be sent from the FXO portto the PSTN 36 telling the PSTN 36 to switch from the second to thefirst call.

As mentioned above, in some example embodiments and modes the digitalcall setup request signal which is sent over the data network 34 to IPtelephony system 40 may be Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITEmessage. Likewise, the further call setup request signals (such assignals S-3-4 and S-3-4′) sent by IP telephony system 40 to telephonydevices (such as extension telephony device 45) and the IP-formattedsetup request signal S-3-5 sent from IP telephony system 40 to adaptor20 may also be Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITE messages. Ofcourse, the different SIP INVITE messages have different headers inaccordance with the different source (e.g., transmitting) address anddestination address of the respective messages. Furthermore, as anoptional feature, either in the INVITE message or other message theprocessor 60 of adaptor 20 may be further configured to provide the IPtelephony system 40 with an account identifier of a subscriberassociated with the communications adaptor 20. In other exampleembodiments, processor 60 does not necessarily need to provide theaccount identifier, since the SIP “From” field will uniquely identifythe identity of the adaptor first port (FXO) 24, which can becross-referenced to the subscriber's account identifier by the IPtelephony system. In at least some example embodiments described hereinthe adaptor 20 has the ability to send the caller ID information for thecalling party on the call setup request message to IP telephony system40.

The setup request messages described herein and the signalingimplemented by adaptor 20 need not necessarily be SIP signaling. Othersignaling protocols may be employed, such as H.323, XMPP, and otherwebsocket types of protocols.

In the foregoing embodiments, whenever a telephony device answers theincoming call from the public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36, aresponse message is sent to public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36through adaptor 20 and through adaptor first port 24 in particular.Thereafter the PSTN calling party hears the audio from the called party.In historical telephony parlance when an incoming call is answered by atelephony device, the telephony device is said to go or be “off hook”.Such is the case even though modern telephony devices may not have thehook feature of old time dial telephones. In embodiments in which theSIP protocol is used for signaling, when one of the extensions answersthe call, that the answering device will send a SIP 200 OK which then isconverted to an off-hook on the FXO port, e.g., adaptor first port 24.

In a situation in which the IP telephony system 40 contacts pluraltelephony devices in conjunction with setup of an incoming call, whenthe call is answered by the first-to-answer telephony device acancellation signal is sent to the other telephony devices. For example,in a simultaneous ring scenario such as shown in FIG. 4C(3) allnon-answering telephony devices are sent a cancellation signal after thefirst-to-answer telephony device goes off hook. In the sequential ringscenario of FIG. 4C(4) the answering of the incoming call by anytelephony device on the sequential ring list results in the lowerpriority devices not even receiving a call setup message if a higherpriority device answers the call. If the higher priority device does notanswer within a defined interval, then a cancellation signal is sent tothe higher priority device to make it stop ringing, and a call setupmessage is sent to the next lower priority device to make it startringing. This process continues until all devices in the sequential ringlist are covered.

More detailed operation of an example embodiment of adaptor 20 isdescribed with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, processor 60comprises user agent logic in the form of user agent 62 (also known asuser server 62) and user agent 64 (also known as user client 64); pluralUser Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, including UDP ports 66 and 68; andrelay controller 69. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a connectionlessoriented protocol that uses an IP address for the destination host and aport number to identify the destination application. A UDP port numberis distinct from any physical port on a computer such as a COM port oran I/O port address. The UDP port typically is a 16-bit address thatexists for the purpose of passing certain types of datagram informationto the correct location above a transport layer of a protocol stack.Audio for voice over IP calls is typically carried in Real Time Protocol(RTP) packets which are encapsulated in the UDP payload. In theparticular implementation shown in FIG. 5 UDP port 66 is associated withuser agent 64 and port 26 while UDP port 68 is associated with useragent 64 and adaptor second port 26. The relay controller 69 isassociated with a relay switch 70.

FIG. 5 thus shows user agent logic as comprising user agent 64 whichhandles calls or communications outgoing from adaptor 20 toward IPtelephony system 40. The user agent 64 comprises signaling client 74 andsignaling data client 76. FIG. 5 further shows that user agent logicalso comprises user agent 62 which handles calls or communications whichare incoming to adaptor 20 from IP telephony system 40. The user agent62 comprises signaling client 84 and data client 86. As indicatedpreviously, one type of signaling that may be utilized by adaptor 20 isSession Initiation Protocol (SIP), and accordingly in one exampleembodiment the user agent logic comprises SIP logic, with the user agent64 being a SIP client and the user agent 62 being a SIP server.

FIG. 5 and the foregoing description of adaptor 20 provides furtherinsight as to how, in an example embodiment and mode, the adaptor 20 maycommunicate with public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36, withanalog telephony device 32, and with IP telephony system 40. Inparticular, the adaptor 20 is provided with or assigned an InternetAddress (e.g., adaptor IP address) that corresponds to adaptor secondport 26. In communicating with IP telephony system 40 the adaptor 20uses its adaptor IP address as a source address when sending packets toIP telephony system 40, and conversely the adaptor IP address is used byIP telephony system 40 as a destination address for packets intended foradaptor 20, e.g., packets which form signaling or data which needs to beconverted for use in communicating with public switched telephonynetwork (PSTN) 36 or analog telephony device 32.

FIG. 5 also shows that the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports are alsoused for providing further specificity as to whether a packet isincluded in a communication with analog telephony device 32 or withpublic switched telephony network (PSTN) 36. In this regard, if the IPtelephony system 40 intends to send a message (such as a 200 OK message)to the POTS calling party, the IP telephony system 40 specifies in the200 OK message both the adaptor IP address and the identifier of the UDPport (e.g., UDP port 68) which is associated with public switchedtelephony network (PSTN) 36. On the other hand, if the IP telephonysystem 40 intends to send a message to the analog telephony device 32,the IP telephony system 40 specifies in the message both the adaptor IPaddress and the identifier of the UDP port (e.g., UDP port 66) which isassociated with 32. The adaptor IP address and the identifier of the UDPport are in the body of the message. For example, in SIP protocol theadaptor IP address and the identifier of the UDP port may be in asection of the 200 OK message referred to as session descriptionprotocol (SDP). When using non-SIP protocols the adaptor IP address andthe identifier of the UDP port may be included in other types ofmessages.

In other words, the message directed towards public switched telephonynetwork (PSTN) 36 includes (adaptor IP address, port 68). On the otherhand, if the IP telephony system 40 intends to send a message to analogtelephony device 32, the IP telephony system 40 includes in the messageboth the adaptor IP address and the identifier of the UDP portassociated with analog telephony device 32, e.g., (adaptor IP address,port 66). In similar way, using the UDP port numbers, the processor 60handles packets received from IP telephony system 40, whether signaling(of any type of message) or (user) data.

The FIG. 5 representation of adaptor 20 also illustrates that both useragent 64 and user agent 62 include functionalities for separatelyhandling signaling and user data. For signaling outgoing from adaptor20, signaling client 74 generates new data messages based on informationincluded in the circuit switched messages received at adaptor first port24 from the public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36, and sends thosenew signaling messages to the IP address of IP telephony system 40.Likewise, after the call or communication is set up, the analog content(e.g., voice) received from public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36is converted to packets by data client 76, and such data packets aresent to UDP port 68 for transmission to the IP address for IP telephonysystem 40. For signaling incoming from IP telephony system 40 when thereis a call to public switched telephony network (PSTN), the signalingclient 74 generates, from the incoming IP-formatted signaling, newanalog signaling that is applied to adaptor first port 24. For signalingincoming from IP telephony system 40 when there is a call to analogtelephony device 32, signaling client 84 generates, from the incomingIP-formatted signaling, new analog signaling that is applied adaptorthird port 28. After the call or communication is set up, thepacket-carried digital content (e.g., voice or media) received from IPtelephony system 40 is converted from digital to analog by data client76 and/or data client 86. Such analog signal is sent by data client 76to the first adapter port 24 (when there is a call to/from publicswitched telephony network (PSTN) 36), or the analog signal is sent bydata client 86 to adaptor third port 28 when analog telephony device 32participates in a call or communication.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in Internet technology thatpackets exchanged between adaptor 20 and IP telephony system 40, whiletransmitted between respective internet addresses for adaptor 20 and IPtelephony system 40, may travel different paths through data network 34.Indeed, for the same call or communication the signaling in which eithersignaling client 74 or signaling client 84 participates with IPtelephony system 40 may travel a different path than the data packetswith which data client 76 and data client 86 participate with IPtelephony system 40.

As explained above, the adaptor 20 (and signaling client 74 inparticular) may generate an outgoing signal for transmission to IPtelephony system 40, and such outgoing signal may result from receipt ofan analog signal on line 30 from public switched telephony network(PSTN) 36. In an example embodiment and mode the signaling client 74 mayinclude in the outgoing signal to IP telephony system 40 an indicationthat the outgoing signal was prompted by or occurs in conjunction with acommunication involving the public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36(e.g., either the calling party or the called party may participating inthe call or communication using resources of the public switchedtelephony network (PSTN) 36). As shown in FIG. 6, such indication ofPSTN involvement, e.g., a PSTN flag 87, may comprise one or more bits,or a field, in the outgoing IP packet 88. Preferably the PSTN flag isincluded in a header of a signaling packet (e.g., part of an SIP packet89) of the outgoing IP packet. Although the PSTN flag 87 may occupy anyappropriate location in the outgoing IP packet, in some exampleimplementations the PSTN flag is considered a custom parameter and isadded towards the end of a header of the signaling (SIP) packet.

The IP telephony system 40 may be configured to detect the PSTN flag 87and take an appropriate action, such as an action that occurs or isdesired as a result of the receipt of a PSTN signal and/or handling ofan incoming call originated from public switched telephony network(PSTN) 36. For example, the IP telephony system 40 may accumulatestatistics, or enable another node to accumulate and analyze statistics,pertaining to the origination sources of calls or communications handledby IP telephony system 40. Alternatively, the IP telephony system 40 mayassess a different tariff or fee for communications or calls thatinvolve (e.g., are originated at) public switched telephony network(PSTN) 36 as opposed to communications or calls generated by an IPtelephony system or service.

It will be appreciated that the tracking or monitoring of PSTN-flaggedcalls (e.g., calls in which public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36participates, either in origination of the call or otherwise) may beimplemented by a processor, controller of a computer circuit, such asthe computer circuit 61 of FIG. 2. Indeed other functionalities of IPtelephony system 40 as wherein described, such as call setup function42, telephony device register 43, and enhanced service function 44, maybe implemented by one or more such computer circuits 61. The computercircuitry 61 may be implemented at one or more servers, at one or morenodes of IP telephony system 40, and in some cases may also involveequipment external to IP telephony system 40.

The adaptor 20 not only handles incoming calls, e.g., calls incoming online 30 from public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 and callsoriginated or conveyed via IP telephony system 40, but also callsoutgoing from analog telephony device 32. In other words, the callsplaced by analog telephony device 32 when the calling party uses analogtelephony device 32 are also handled by adaptor 20. In this regard, theprocessor 60 of adaptor 20 may execute predefined logic for the handlingof an outgoing call initiated by analog telephony device 32. Thatpredefined logic executed by processor 60 may either be programmed atprocessor 60, or downloaded to processor 60 from IP telephony system 40,for example. The analog signaling for all calls initiated by analogtelephony device 32 is transmitted through adaptor third port 28 to UDPport 68, and new SIP INVITE is generated when the user goes off-hook anddials a number.

In one predefined outgoing call protocol the processor 60 may route allbut certain excepted outgoing calls to IP telephony system 40 ratherthan to public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36. In other words, theprocessor 60 may be configured by default to connect the adaptor thirdport 28 to the adaptor second port 26 when the analog telephone deviceinitiates 32 an outbound communication, unless the processor receives adefault override indication. The excepted outgoing calls that are routedto public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 rather than to IPtelephony system 40 may include emergency (e.g., E911) calls or callsthat include an override indication, e.g., are begun with a certainprefix (e.g., *55). For the non-excepted calls which are to betransmitted to IP telephony system 40, the digitally-formatted signalingis routed using UDP port 66 and adaptor second port 26 and via datanetwork 34 to IP telephony system 40. For the excepted calls which areto be transmitted to public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36, thedigitally-formatted signaling is converted to analog signaling (e.g., byincoming signaling client 84) and routed through adaptor first port 24to public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36. Media going betweenadaptor first port 24 and adaptor third port 28 does not use UDP ports,but rather media frames are directly transferred between the portswithin the processor. This occurs in a similar manner as the actsdescribed in Table 2 as discussed above.

Another predefined outgoing call protocol may be the exact opposite forthe foregoing. Or as a variation of the foregoing emergency calls may berouted to IP telephony system 40. The customer and/or IP telephonysystem 40 thus has flexibility in implementing an outgoing call protocolfor calls outgoing from analog telephony device 32.

Even for outgoing calls from analog telephony device 32 for which a callsetup request message is not sent to IP telephony system 40, theprocessor 60 may be configured to generate a notification signal or tothe IP telephony system 40 with information to enable the IP telephonysystem 40 to make a record of the outbound communication, e.g., inconjunction with the customer's account.

In an example embodiment and mode adaptor 20 monitors the viability oravailability of data network 34 and/or the connection of adaptor 20 todata network 34. In this regard adaptor 20 and processor 60 inparticular is provided with network monitor 71 as shown in FIG. 5.

Should the network monitor 71 determine that adaptor second port 26 haslost connection to data network 34, e.g., determine that the datanetwork 34 is unavailable, the network monitor 71 directs that processor60 handle all subsequent incoming PSTN calls as analog calls routed tothe analog telephony device and all outgoing calls from analog telephonydevice 32 be handled as analog calls routed to the PSTN. Simplyspeaking, when the data network 34 is unavailable the processor 60routes communications between the adaptor first port 24 and the adaptorthird port 28. More specifically, after network monitor 71 determinesthat the adaptor's 20 connection to data network 34 has been lost (e.g.,is unavailable), for an incoming PSTN call on analog communications line30 the processor 60 receives the analog call setup request signaling viaadaptor first port 24, and sends an analog call setup request signal toanalog telephony device 32 through adaptor third port 28. In so doing,the processor 60 first converts the analog call setup request signalingreceived from public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 to digitalform within processor 60, and then reconverts the digital form to analogform for application via adaptor third port 28 to analog telephonydevice 32. Since the network monitor 71 has determined that theconnection to data network 34 has been lost, for this incoming PSTN callsetup request signal the processor 60 does not create a new digital callsetup request message for transmission to IP telephony system 40.

Similarly, after network monitor 71 determines that the adaptor's 20connection to data network 34 has been lost or that the data network 34is unavailable, for an outgoing call from analog telephony device 32 theprocessor 60 receives the call setup request signal from analogtelephony device 32 through adaptor third port 28, and ultimately sendsa call setup request signal to public switched telephony network (PSTN)36 through adaptor first port 24. In so doing, the processor 60 firstconverts the analog call setup request signaling received from analogtelephony device 32 to digital form within processor 60, and thenreconverts the digital form to analog form for application via adaptorfirst port 24 to analog communications line 30. Thus, for such scenariothe processor 60 does not generate a digital call setup request signalto IP telephony system 40.

The processor 60 may similarly route signaling and user data withinprocessor between adaptor first port 24 and adaptor third port 28, e.g.,between public switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 and analog telephonydevice 32, on other occasions as well. For example, the IP telephonysystem 40 may determine that the IP telephony system 40 should not beused for the customer, and IP telephony system 40 may send a signal toadaptor 20 to direct the processor 60 to route signaling and user databetween adaptor first port 24 and adaptor third port 28 in the mannerdescribed above. As an example situation, if the service provider wereoffering the enhanced services as a priced option with an additionalfee, and if the customer was not subscribed to this option, then theremay be no need to field the call in the IP telephony system and tie upresources. Instead the system could direct that the call be handledlocally in the adapter. It may just want to be notified of the call sothat it can maintain proper records of all calls

In the event that power is lost to the adaptor 20, the relay switch 70closes, since it is a normally closed relay. With relay switch 70closed, a bridge or direct relay is formed between adaptor first port 24and adaptor third port 28 so that any signaling and user communicationreceived at one port is directly communicated to the other port, withoutany involvement of processor 60 and thus no signaling sent to IPtelephony system 40. When power is restored, and the adaptor resumesnormal operation, the processor 60 opens the relay switch 70 via therelay control function.

FIG. 2 illustrates elements of machine hardware in the example form ofcomputer circuitry 61 that may comprise adaptor 20 or IP telephonysystem 40. In the illustrated example embodiment, the machine hardwareor computer circuitry 61 comprises a computer, e.g., computer equipment,but in other example embodiments the machine hardware may insteadcomprise or encompass, without limitation, digital signal processor(DSP) hardware, reduced instruction set processor, hardware (e.g.,digital or analog) circuitry including but not limited to applicationspecific integrated circuit(s) [ASIC], and/or field programmable gatearray(s) (FPGA(s)), and (where appropriate) state machines capable ofperforming such functions.

FIG. 2 shows an example of such machine hardware/computer circuitry 61as comprising one or more processors 92; memory(ies) 94; input/outputinterfaces 96; peripheral interfaces 98; support circuits 100; andbuss(es) 106 for communication between the aforementioned units.

Each adaptor 20 and IP telephony system 40 may include multipleprocessors 60/92, along with their operating components and programming,each carrying out a specific or dedicated function. The processor 60/92shown in FIG. 2 may be one of any form of a general purpose computerprocessor used in accessing an IP-based network, such as a corporateintranet, the Internet or the like. The processor 92 comprises one ormore central processing units (CPUs) 114.

The memory(ies) 94 may comprise memory such as program instructionmemory 116 and other memory 118 (e.g., RAM, cache, etc.). Thememory(ies) 94 may comprise computer-readable medium, and may be one ormore of readily available memory such as random access memory (RAM),read only memory (ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, flash memory or anyother form of digital storage, local or remote, and is preferably ofnon-volatile nature.

The support circuits 100 are coupled to the processor 60/92 forsupporting the processor in a conventional manner. These circuits mayinclude cache, power supplies, clock circuits, input/output circuitryand subsystems, and the like

The input/output interfaces 96 serve to connect the processor 82 topossibly one or more input/output devices (not shown) for accessing theprocessor and/or performing ancillary or administrative functionsrelated thereto.

The peripheral interfaces 98 may comprise circuitry and/or logic forother elements, such as other components of adaptor 20, e.g., adaptorfirst port 24, adaptor second port 26, and adaptor third port 28.

The buss(es) 106 may comprise plural or a single bus structure, withnumerous buss configurations being possible without degrading orotherwise changing the intended operability of the processor 60/92.

One or more software routines or software programs are normally storedin program instruction memory 116. Some of the software routines orsoftware programs may be referred to as “applications”. FIG. 2 shows onesuch software routine or software program 120 as being loaded fromprogram instruction memory 116 into CPU 114 so that the software program120 is executed by processor 94. Execution of the software program 120causes the processor 60/92 to perform processes of the disclosedembodiments. Also, the software routines could also be stored remotelyfrom the CPU. For example, the software could be resident on servers andmemory devices that are located remotely from the CPU, but which areaccessible to the CPU via a data network connection.

Although the processes of the disclosed embodiments may be discussed asbeing implemented as a software routine, some of the method steps thatare disclosed therein may be performed in hardware as well as by aprocessor running software. As such, the embodiments may be implementedin software as executed upon a computer system, in hardware as anapplication specific integrated circuit or other type of hardwareimplementation, or a combination of software and hardware. The softwareroutine 100 of the disclosed embodiments is capable of being executed onany computer operating system, and is capable of being performed usingany CPU architecture.

The functions of the various elements including functional blocks,including but not limited to those labeled or described as “computer”,“processor” or “controller”, may be provided through the use of hardwaresuch as circuit hardware and/or hardware capable of executing softwarein the form of coded instructions stored on computer readable medium.For the machine hardware of each processor such software may be storedon non-transient memory such as program instruction memory. Thus, suchfunctions and illustrated functional blocks are to be understood asbeing either hardware-implemented and/or computer-implemented, and thusmachine-implemented.

In terms of hardware implementation, the functional blocks may includeor encompass, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP)hardware, reduced instruction set processor, hardware (e.g., digital oranalog) circuitry including but not limited to application specificintegrated circuit(s) [ASIC], and/or field programmable gate array(s)(FPGA(s)), and (where appropriate) state machines capable of performingsuch functions.

In terms of computer implementation, a computer is generally understoodto comprise one or more processors or one or more controllers, and theterms computer and processor and controller may be employedinterchangeably herein. When provided by a computer or processor orcontroller, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated computeror processor or controller, by a single shared computer or processor orcontroller, or by a plurality of individual computers or processors orcontrollers, some of which may be shared or distributed. Moreover, useof the term “processor” or “controller” shall also be construed to referto other hardware capable of performing such functions and/or executingsoftware, such as the example hardware recited above.

The technology disclosed herein provides many benefits and advantages,including a more seamless onboard experience. With installation of theadaptor 20 there is no need for a customer to cancel the existing POTSservice, or move a telephone number over to a provider of internettelephony services. Moreover, the customer is also able to obtainadvantage of enhanced services of an Internet Protocol telephony systemfor incoming POTS calls. Yet further, the adaptor 20 maintains access topublic switched telephony network (PSTN) 36 when the broadbandconnection is not available.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the technology disclosedherein but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presentlypreferred embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Thus the scopeof the technology disclosed herein should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciatedthat the scope of the technology disclosed herein fully encompassesother embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art,and that the scope of the technology disclosed herein is accordingly tobe limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which referenceto an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural,chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and areintended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is notnecessary for a device or method to address each and every problemsought to be solved by the technology disclosed herein, for it to beencompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component,or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated tothe public regardless of whether the element, component, or method stepis explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to beconstrued under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unlessthe element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A communications adaptor comprising: an adaptorfirst port configured to connect to an analog communications line; anadaptor second port configured to connect to a data network; an adaptorthird port configured to connect to an analog telephony device; aprocessor configured to determine that a first call setup request signalhas been received at the adaptor first port, and subsequent to suchdetermination: transmit a second call setup request signal over theadaptor second port to an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system overthe data network; generate a third call setup request signal byconverting the second call setup request signal from digital to analogformat; and transmit the third call setup request signal over theadaptor third port.
 2. The communications adaptor of claim 1, whereinthe second call setup request signal includes an indication that thefirst call setup request was received at the adaptor first port.
 3. Thecommunications adaptor of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to provide the IP telephony system with an account identifierof a subscriber associated with the communications adaptor.
 4. Thecommunications adaptor of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to simultaneously transmit the third call setup requestsignal over the adaptor third port and transmit the second call setuprequest signal over the adaptor second port.
 5. The communicationsadaptor of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured totransmit the third setup request signal to the adaptor third port at atime delay after transmission of the second setup request signal to theInternet Protocol (IP) telephony system.
 6. The communications adaptorof claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to generate the thirdsetup request signal upon receipt of a fourth setup request signalreceived from the Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system.
 7. Thecommunications adaptor of claim 6, wherein the processor is configuredto convert the fourth setup request signal to the third setup requestsignal.
 8. The communications adaptor of claim 1, wherein the processoris further configured: to receive an off hook condition indication fromthe analog telephony device and; in accordance with the off hookcondition indication to cancel the second setup request signal to the IPtelephony system over the data network.
 9. The communications adaptor ofclaim 8, wherein the processor is further configured in accordance withthe off hook condition indication to generate a notification signal tothe IP telephony system with information to enable the IP telephonysystem to make a record of the incoming communication.
 10. Thecommunications adaptor of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured: to receive an off hook condition indication of an extensiontelephony device registered with the IP telephony system; and inaccordance with the off hook condition indication to cancel the thirdsetup request signal to the analog telephony device.
 11. Thecommunications adaptor of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured: to make a determination regarding unavailability of the datanetwork; and in accordance with the unavailability determination, toroute communications between the adaptor first port and the adaptorthird port.
 12. The communications adaptor of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is configured by default to connect the adaptor third port tothe adaptor second port when the analog telephone device initiates anoutbound communication unless the processor receives a default overrideindication.
 13. The communications adaptor of claim 12, wherein theprocessor is configured to generate a notification signal to the IPtelephony system with information to enable the IP telephony system tomake a record of the outbound communication.
 14. A method in acommunications adaptor comprising: receiving at an adaptor first port ofthe communications adaptor a first setup request signal for an incomingcommunication carried over an analog communications line; generating asecond setup request signal for transmission to an Internet Protocol(IP) telephony system over a data network connected to an adaptor secondport of the communications adaptor when the setup request signal for theincoming communication is received over the analog communications line;generating a third setup request signal for the incoming communicationreceived over the analog communications line for transmission to anadaptor third port of the communications adaptor by converting thesecond setup request signal transmitted to the Internet Protocol (IP)telephony system, the adaptor third port of the communications adaptorbeing connected to an analog telephony device.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the second setup request signal is a digital setup requestsignal and the third setup request signal is an analog setup requestsignal.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising configuring thesecond setup request signal for transmission to an Internet Protocol(IP) telephony system to include an indication that the incomingcommunication was received at the adaptor first port.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising transmitting the third setup request signalto the adaptor third port simultaneously with the generation of thedigital setup request signal for transmission to an Internet Protocol(IP) telephony system.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprisingtransmitting the third setup request signal to the adaptor third port ata time delay after transmission of the second setup request signal tothe Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system.
 19. The method of claim 18,further comprising configuring the time delay to allow the InternetProtocol (IP) telephony system to perform a call enhancement service.20. The method of claim 19, further comprising performing callforwarding, simultaneous ring, or sequential ring as the callenhancement service.
 21. The method of claim 14, further comprisingreceiving an off hook condition indication from the analog telephonydevice and; in accordance with the off hook condition indication,cancelling the second setup request signal to the IP telephony systemover the data network.
 22. The communications adaptor of claim 14,further comprising: receiving an off hook condition indication from anextension telephony device registered with the IP telephony system; andin accordance with the off hook condition indication canceling the thirdsetup request signal to the analog telephony device.
 23. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising: receiving a fourth setup request signalfrom the IP telephony system; and using the fourth setup request signalto generate the analog setup request signal for transmission to theadaptor third port.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprisinggenerating the third setup request signal by converting the fourth setuprequest signal from digital to analog.